Flake and metallic are the two most popular decorative resin floors, in businesses and in homes. Both are seamless, durable and easy to clean, but they look and behave very differently. Here is how to choose.
What each one is
Flake flooring is a resin base with coloured vinyl flakes broadcast into it, then sealed with a clear topcoat. It has a speckled, granite-like look and a slightly textured surface.
Metallic epoxy uses pearlescent pigments that move through the resin as it is placed, creating marbled, three-dimensional swirls. Every floor is one of a kind and the surface is smooth and glossy.
Side by side
Look: flake is uniform and practical; metallic is dramatic and custom.
Hiding dirt: flake hides dust, salt and small scratches very well; metallic shows dirt and scratches more, especially in dark colours.
Slip resistance: flake has natural texture; metallic is smooth and needs an anti-slip additive in wet areas.
Durability: both are durable with the right topcoat. Flake is more forgiving in heavy traffic.
Consistency: flake looks the same from one room to the next; metallic varies, which is part of its appeal.
Installer skill: metallic depends heavily on the installer's technique; flake is more predictable.
Where flake works best
Garages, basements, gyms, entertainment venues, washrooms, retail back-of-house and any area with heavy traffic, spills or salt. Our largest flake floor is a 45,000 sq ft entertainment venue.
Where metallic works best
Showrooms, lobbies, salons, restaurants, offices and feature floors in custom homes: spaces where the floor is part of the design.
Can you combine them?
Yes. Many projects use metallic in the front-of-house and flake in service areas, or metallic in a basement living area and flake in the garage.
See both systems
Read more about flake flooring and metallic epoxy, or our residential floors. Book a free site assessment and we will bring samples of both.
